FIA president criticises drivers over ‘dirty’ F1 fear

FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem has defended controversial measures introduced to curb the prevalence of bad language from F1 drivers.

The new stewards' penalty guidelines, which also apply to those racing in other championships overseen by the governing body, allow for harsh punishments for indiscretions such as swearing and speaking out against the FIA.

Recently added as an appendix to the FIA international sporting code (ISC), drivers can face steep fines and even suspensions and championship points deductions for repeat offences.

It is a move that has caused widespread debate throughout the world of motorsport. A common refrain is that emotions are part of racing and in the heat of the moment it is unrealistic - or perhaps unfair - to expect drivers to be able to control their reactions.

Furthermore, many people are wary of what they feel would be an overly sanitised version of the sport if drivers were muzzled in such a manner.

It is an opinion Ben Sulayem places no credence in whatsoever, arguing that F1 drivers have a "responsibility" and should adhere to and respect the new rules.

"When I was driving rallies myself, there was a certain amount of discipline, something that is very important for everyone in the sport," he said at a summit in Madrid, as quoted by Dutch publication De Telegraaf. "Drivers are ambassadors of the sport.

"After all, we don't want parents of children to get the image that we are a 'dirty' sport that they don't want to belong to," the FIA president continued.

"At every track, you have to deal with things that are allowed or not allowed. Drivers in Formula 1 earn millions and are not children, but adults.

"In their job, they have a responsibility to the FIA and to the public. They should respect the rules in a sport that has given them so much."